“I really do not know where I will play, Arsenal or elsewhere next season. All my attention went to the World Cup. I will see when I talk with Arsenal.”

The 28-year-old defender is out of contract at the end of the upcoming season and Arsenal are reportedly looking to sell him now rather than risk losing him on a free transfer next summer if no new contract is agreed.

Vermaelen lost his place in the heart of Arsenal’s defence last season as Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny were preferred and only made seven Premier League starts.

The unknown is why would Manchester United be interested in a player that cannot get into the Arsenal or Belgium side? Yes United have lost Vidic and Ferdinand but is Vermaelen really better than Smalling, Jones and Evans?

I don’t think so which is why I cannot understand United’s attraction here.